The day after Burns night above Freezing At Last !
It might have been above freezing, but it was still chilly, with grey skies and a keen northerly breeze. Furthermore, as a legacy from the recent cold snap, plentiful icy patches still lingered on the quieter roads.
Despite all of this , eleven riders braved the elemements to arrive at the Red Lion in Great Sampford – tempted no doubt by the fine Italian cuisine on offer for lunch (or could it have been the promise of Birthday Beers?). Actually twelve turned up but our newest member, Con, had had a “Doh” moment that morning and had arrived sans helmet and so couldn’t ride with us. Happily he was over any embarassment come lunch time and dutifully joined us for lunch.
Our route, initially downwind, headed to the outskirts of Finchingfield before heading North towards Steeple Bumpstead into the nagging headwind. In an attempt to stay warm, group discipline soon fragmented, with groups of 3 and 4 riders scattered along the route.
Coffee and Hot Chocolate and Cake at Tarkas was most welcome, despite the short main road section, then onto the slightly hillier section of the ride through to Ashdon and finally the downwind run back to the pub. Thanks once again for the beers, Brian, and a belated happy birthday.
Riders: Deborah, Rach, Hazel, Rod, Tom, Andrew, Brian, Geoff, Victor, Martin II, Graham plus Con, Maurice and Iain for lunch.
The Windmill Cycle Club 